By Ali Muhammad Rabiu
No fewer than thirty children have been rescued by Kwara state government from an unapproved orphanage and children home in Ilorin.
The state Commissioner for Social Development, Hajiya Mariam Imam, who made the disclosure to Newsmen in Ilorin, said the children are now receiving proper care, medical attention and psychosocial support.
According to her, the rescue operations carried out by the ministry followed the discovery of irregularities and concerns relating to their welfare and living conditions at the facility.
The commissioner explained that the rescued children, comprising boys and girls between the ages of two and fifteen, have been relocated to a government-approved shelter under the supervision of the Ministry where they are receiving care, protection and necessary documentation.
Hajiya Imam said the intervention was aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of the children, assessing their immediate needs, evaluating their health and educational conditions, and providing the necessary support for their long-term protection and wellbeing.
She noted that the children are undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while the Ministry is also working on family tracing and reunification, where appropriate.
The commissioner hinted that children who cannot be reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities, subject to proper documentation, assessment and follow-up to ensure that their individual needs are adequately addressed.
She assured that the children would continue to receive the care and support required to help them regain a sense of safety, belonging and confidence as the rehabilitation process progresses.
The Commissioner further directed that all orphanages, children’s homes and other child-care institutions operating in the State must be duly registered and approved by the Ministry of Social Development.
She also directed all duly approved facilities to clearly display the inscription “Approved by the Kwara State Government” on their signposts for easy identification by members of the public.
On his part , the Director of Social Work, Alhaji Hamzat Abdulfatah, who was involved in the rescue operation, said the intervention had further strengthened collaboration among relevant stakeholders in ensuring the welfare and future of the children.
“This intervention has given these children hope and encouraged us to work together. We now understand that if we manage this process properly and follow due process, these children will have the opportunity to live better and more fulfilled lives.”
The rescued children expressed optimism that their new environment would translate into better opportunities and contribute to a brighter future.
Editing By Godwin Duru
